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Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are widely distributed throughout New York State as introduced species. While not native to New York, they're considered 'native transplants' and have established thriving populations across the state.

Scientific Name: Micropterus salmoides

Physical Characteristics:
  • The New York state record stands at 11 pounds 4 ounces, with a length of 25.5 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found in lakes, rivers, ponds, and reservoirs from the Finger Lakes to Lake Champlain, the Hudson River system, and numerous other water bodies.
  • Largemouth bass in New York inhabit diverse habitats from shallow, vegetated areas to deeper waters.
  • They're highly adaptive to various water conditions and depths.

Key Locations

  • Target prime New York waters including Lake Champlain (renowned for both largemouth and smallmouth), Oneida Lake (nationally known for bass tournaments), Cayuga Lake (where the current state record was caught), Seneca Lake, Lake George, Sodus Bay, and numerous Finger Lakes.

Specific Spots

  • Focus fishing around submerged vegetation, fallen trees, docks, rocky points, weed edges, and drop-offs near spawning areas.
  • Target areas with adequate vegetation, fallen trees, docks, and structures providing cover.

Largemouth Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Largemouth Bass in New York?

Top fly patterns include popping bugs in bumblebee, frog, and chartreuse patterns for surface fishing, plus baitfish patterns like Clousers, Deceivers, and saltwater yak hair baitfish imitations in shad or bream colors. Weighted crayfish patterns and deep Clousers work well in colder months.

When is the best time to fish for Largemouth Bass in New York?

Prime largemouth bass fishing occurs from May through July when water temperatures range 60-80°F. Spring offers excellent pre-spawn fishing. Fall provides another peak period when bass feed heavily before winter, making September through November highly productive.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass in New York?

Key techniques include working poppers with 2-3 second pauses between 'bloop' sounds, stripping baitfish patterns at varying depths (surface to 4 feet), and slow presentations during winter months.

What do Largemouth Bass eat?

These fish are voracious predators that consume almost anything alive fitting in their mouths - including fish, worms, frogs, insect larvae, crayfish, salamanders, snakes, small mammals, birds, and ducklings.

Where do Largemouth Bass live in New York?

Found in lakes, rivers, ponds, and reservoirs from the Finger Lakes to Lake Champlain, the Hudson River system, and numerous other water bodies. Largemouth bass in New York inhabit diverse habitats from shallow, vegetated areas to deeper waters. They're highly adaptive to various water conditions and depths.

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